LIHU‘E — The thunder of about 200 motorcycles rumbled through the parking lot at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall, Sunday. From out of the cloud of aromatic smoke from the Miguel’s Ono Flippin’ Chicken pits, the shadows of motorcycle
LIHU‘E — The thunder of about 200 motorcycles rumbled through the parking lot at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall, Sunday.
From out of the cloud of aromatic smoke from the Miguel’s Ono Flippin’ Chicken pits, the shadows of motorcycle riders appeared as the convoy left the parking lot on its Ride With Pride benefit for the Special Olympics Kaua‘i.
Shelley Gerardo, public relations officer for Special Olympics Kaua‘i, said the annual ride was moved up from its November date to take advantage of better weather.
“This is Special Olympics Kaua‘i’s most popular event of the year,” Gerardo said. “Funds raised during the event make it possible for Special Olympics Kaua‘i athletes to participate in the variety of sporting events and programs.”
William Burwell was one of the Special Olympics Kaua‘i athletes on hand to help with the numerous chores, taking time from helping Patsy Rapozo to announce that he was part of the bocce ball tournament, recently.
In addition to the motorcycle enthusiasts, Kaua‘i Classic Cars had several of its cars on display, opting to not join the convoy because of wet conditions reported in the Lawa‘i area.
“It was raining when I got here early this morning, but everything seems to be cleared up,” said Roy Asher, one of the convoy leaders.
Plans were announced for a possible work-around due to muddy conditions called in from the Hanapepe Valley lookout area, but by the time the convoy rumbled out of the parking lot the sun was already burning off any residual moisture.
But that did not stop Jayden Celebrado from hopping onto his keiki seat in his dad’s 1969 Chevy Camaro.
Unfortunately, the Camaro sat idle while Brad, Jayden’s dad, got into a discussion about wiring and harnesses with Harvey Maeda while Jayden’s grandparents fetched an armload of chicken plate lunches.
Next door, the aromatic smoke from the grilling chicken piqued the nostrils of coach Aaron Garcia, who was working with several youth baseball players.
“I guess we know where lunch will be today,” Garcia said.
In addition to the ride, the public was invited to browse through the offerings of the silent auction while waiting on their chicken lunches, and for those who preferred dining out, there was a drive-through for pick-ups.
Gerardo said the next event on the Special Olympics Kaua‘i calendar is the Polar Plunge scheduled for Sept. 26 at the Regency at Puakea pool.
“This is a new event for Special Olympics Kaua‘i,” Gerardo said. “The pool at Regency will be cooled down and we’ll see who is willing to take the plunge for Special Olympics. All of the funds raised at this event, or at any of the Special Olympics events, stay here on Kaua‘i to help Kaua‘i’s Special Olympics athletes.”
Over the past 40 years, Special Olympics has grown from a modest program serving local athletes to become the world’s largest movement dedicated to promoting respect, acceptance, inclusion and human dignity for people with intellectual disabilities through sports.
Special Olympics’ mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
For more information, or to enroll an athlete, call 652-8662.
• Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com.
to watch video footage of the Ride with Pride Special Olympicsevent.
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